'Front' for Chinese government giving cash to 2 major parties

AUSTRALIA'S two major political parties have received almost $6 million from a shadowy "front" for the Chinese Government.

Parliamentary researchers have uncovered the massive extent of donations made to the Liberal and Labor parties by pro-Beijing figures in the Australian Council for the Promotion of the Peaceful Reunification of China.

Amid growing fears about China's influence in Australian politics, the Herald Sun can also reveal the Turnbull Government will introduce legislation next month to ban foreign donations to political parties and associated entities.

In a confidential report obtained by the Herald Sun, the council is classed as an "agent of the Chinese state" whose members are "covert conduits" for the Communist Party's efforts to influence policy.